In our final 4-match preview of the Europa League third round qualifiers, we will try to find some betting picks for you. Lech Poznan will play host to Utrecht from the Netherlands, while AIK visits Portugal to compete against Braga. At the other side, Gabala will entertain Greek side Panathinaikos and Apollon will welcome Aberdeen from Scotland as they prepare to go head to head to grab a win.
LECH POZNAN (POL) vs UTRECHT (NED)
Three-way: 1: Lech Poznan -114; X: +272 Draw; 2: Utrecht +390
Spread -0.5: Lech Poznan -114; Utrecht -127
Total +2.5: Over +116; Under -120
LECH POZNAN (POL)
Lech Poznan has made a very mixed start to their league campaign. Of the first three matches, they have won one, drawn one, and lost one. In this period, they have scored five goals, and conceded two.
Poznan had a stroll in the first round of the Europa League qualifiers, as they defeated Pelister 4:0 at home, and then 0:3 away. This was followed by a 3:2 defeat at Haugesund, from which the bounced back to win 2:0 and qualify to the third round.
They have signed wingers Niklas Barkroth from Norrkoping for 650 thousand Euros, and Maciej Makuszewski from Lechia Gdansk for 300 thousand Euros. Joining them is striker Christian Gytkjaer who has signed on a free transfer.
UTRECHT (NED)
Utrecht had a decent season last year, as they finished 4th in the league. The scored 54 goals and conceded 38 throughout the season of 34 league matches.
In the previous round, the first leg was an away draw at Valetta with the scores being 0:0. This was followed by a confident performance at home by Utrecht who won the return leg 3:1, and hence gained qualification for the third round of the Europa League qualifications.
They have signed playmaker Sander van de Streek from Cambuu for 6oo thousand, along with Cyriel Dessers who has been signed from Breda for 350 thousand Euros. Joining them are keeper Nick Marsman and Midfielder Chris David who are joining on free transfers.
LECH POZNAN (PUL) vs. UTRECHT (NED) – Match Prediction:
The first leg was an extremely dab affair, as both teams were dodgy and didn’t score. However, as Poznan are at home, they will surely be more confident and have a better performance than last time out. Therefore, my prediction will be a home win for Lech Poznan.
MY PICK: LECH POZNAN -111
BRAGA (POR) vs AIK (AIK)
Three-way: 1: Braga -164; X: +303 Draw; 2: AIK +617
Spread -1: Braga +112; AIK -120
Total +2: Over -133; Under +116
BRAGA (POR)
Braga finished last season in the Liga Nos in 5th position, which gave them qualification to the third round of the Europa League qualifiers. They scored 51 goals in 34 games, and conceded 36.
They have played only one friendly in the preseason. It was a 1:0 defeat, away at Varzim.
They have signed Portuguese attackers Paulinho, Nuno Sequira and Ricardo Horta on free transfers to boost up the squad, along with Brazilian forward Dyego Sousa.
AIK (SWE)
After finishing second last season just six points adrift this season, AIK have not been to that level this year. After 17 matches, they are currently in 4th position, 12 points of top spot. They have scored 15 goals so far, while conceding 10.
In the first round of these Europa League qualifiers, they first drew 0:0 at KI, which was followed by a thumping 5:0 home win. On the next round too, they had a scoreless draw in the first leg, which was followed by a comfortable 2:0 win at home against Zeljeznicar.
They have signed Chinedu Obasi on a free transfer to provide pace on the wings. They have also signed Rasmus Lindkvist from Valeranga for an unknown fee.
BRAGA (POR) vs. AIK (SWE) – Match Prediction:
Right now, Braga holds the advantage of an away goal, which will surely boost their spirits. And moreover, this being a home game for them, I can only see them winning this match. Therefore, my prediction will be a home win.
MY PICK: BRAGA -164
GABALA (AZE) vs PANATHINAIKOS (GRE)
Three-way: 1: Gabala +238; X: +234 Draw; 2: Panathinaikos +143
Spread +0.5: Gabala -159; Panathinaikos +143
Total +2: Over -135; Under +123
GABALA (AZE)
Gabala finished second last season in the Azerbaijan top flight. They had scored the highest goals in the league, with 48, while conceding 21 goals in 28 matches.
In the previous round, Gabala first drew the home leg against Jagiellona by 1:1. However, they maintained composure, and put in a good shift to win the away leg by 0:2 and progress to the third round of the Europa League competition.
They have signed defender Dave Bulthuis from Nuremburg, Seeven Joseph Monrose from Brest and right back Ilgar Gurbanov form Qarabag. All these players are joining the club on free transfers.
PANATHINAIKOS (GRE)
The Greek club missed out on a Champions league qualifiers spot by four points last time out, as they finished third in the league. They scored 45 goals and conceded joint second least goals, at 19 in 30 matches.
They have played four friendly matches in the preseason. Out of those four, they have won three, drawing the other one. They have scored 5 goals and conceded twice during this period.
They have signed Omri Altman form Hapoel Tel Aviv for 150 thousand Euros. They have also signed greek defender Kolovestsios and Brazilian forward Luciano on free transfers.
GABALA (AZE) vs. PANATHINAIKOS (GRE) – Match Prediction:
The first match highlighted the Greeks side ability to hold on to a slender lead as they won the match 1:0. Judging by that match, I can see no reason why they will lose the match this time. therefore, my prediction will be an away win for Panathinaikos.
MY PICK: PANATHINAIKOS (+143)
APOLLON (CYP) vs ABERDEEN (SCO)
Three-way: 1: Apollon -105; X: +256 Draw; 2: Aberdeen +365
Spread -0.5: Apollon -106; Aberdeen -101
Total +2.5: Over +122; Under -128
APOLLON (CYP)
Apollon contested bravely till the end, but fell five points short of the title with late slip ups. They had the second best defense in the league with just 19 goals conceded in 26 games, while scoring 56 goals.
In the previous round, Apollon gave very composed performances in both the legs. They won the first leg with a thumping 3:0 win at home, which was followed by a 1:2 away against Zaria.
They have signed Spanish centre back Hector Yuste, former Atletico youngster Marija Spoljaric and Maltese forward Andre Schembri on free transfers for the season ahead.
ABERDEEN (SCO)
Aberdeen were the second best team in the league after Celtic last season. They had scored an impressive 74 goals while conceding 35 in 38 matches during the league campaign.
In the second round of the Europa League qualifiers, Aberdeen drew the home leg against Siroki Brijeg by 1:1. However, they did not allow the same mistakes again, as they went to Siroki, and returned home with three points in the bag after a 0:2 win.
They have bought experienced Center Back Kari Arnason from Nikosia for 100 thousand Euros. They have also signed Greg tansy for Inverness and Nicky Maynard from MK Dons for free transfers.
APOLLON (CYP) vs ABERDEEN (SCO) – Match Prediction:
Even though the first leg was a win for Aberdeen, they weren’t really convincing in their style of play. And considering the fact that Apollon are at home and already have an away goal advantage, I would put my money on an Apollon win in this match.
MY PICK: APOLLON (-105)
